Christmas Massacre

91%
Game Brain Score Based on 433 reviews
  • gameplay
  • graphics
  • story
Christmas Massacre Game Cover
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"Christmas Massacre" is an 80's inspired stealth slasher game featuring low-poly, PS1-style graphics. As Larry, you must sneak and murder while wearing different masks and costumes, all while avoiding detection. With a fast-forward button and arcade-style stealth, the game is drenched in gore and offers both first and third-person camera models. Can you trust what the Christmas tree is telling you?

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Reviews

91%
Audience ScoreBased on 433 reviews
gameplay10 positive mentions
stability11 negative mentions
  • Short, fun, and wacky gameplay that captures the essence of classic slasher films.
  • Unique premise of playing as the killer, providing a refreshing twist on the horror genre.
  • Engaging retro aesthetic with a humorous and darkly comedic tone, especially with the talking Christmas tree.
  • Gameplay can be frustrating due to janky controls and inconsistent hitboxes, making it difficult to execute kills.
  • Levels feel repetitive and lack variety, leading to a loss of excitement as the game progresses.
  • Short playtime and limited content may leave players wanting more, with some levels feeling underdeveloped.
  • gameplay41 mentions

    The gameplay of the game has received mixed reviews, with many players noting its simplicity and mechanical issues, such as frustrating hitboxes and a lack of polish. While some appreciate the arcade-like feel and the atmospheric elements, others find the gameplay repetitive and lacking in depth, leading to a quick sense of boredom. Overall, it seems that while the game has potential, it suffers from janky mechanics and could benefit from more refinement and variety.

    • “The gameplay takes a little practice to get the hang of, but luckily there's a training level to teach you how to do everything.”
    • “The story is fantastic and the gameplay is simple but enjoyable if you just want to let off some steam.”
    • “Atmosphere, music, gameplay - everything is on point!”
    • “Larry has no substance, and the gameplay is so simple that it wears out its welcome on the first level.”
    • “The gameplay gets boring pretty quickly and there is absolutely nothing unique about this game.”
    • “Hitboxes are wonky and there aren't too many features to make gameplay stimulating.”
  • graphics38 mentions

    The graphics of the game are characterized by a nostalgic PS1 and VHS aesthetic that effectively creates a creepy and immersive atmosphere, resonating well with fans of retro horror. Players appreciate the lo-fi visuals and the ability to customize graphical settings, which enhance the overall experience, despite some criticism regarding the repetitiveness of environments. Overall, the unique art style and atmospheric design are praised for adding depth to the gameplay, making it a standout in the indie horror genre.

    • “The devs really nailed the PS1 aesthetic and vibe.”
    • “Puppet Combo knows how to make simple horror games from a graphical and gameplay standpoint, but they are masters at creating atmosphere and dark, twisted, immersive worlds with their undeniably eerie and unique retro look that I honestly didn’t think I would like so much initially.”
    • “It has atmosphere with VHS-grade visuals and overall creepiness with its PS1 style graphics.”
    • “Freaking wild mass murder sim, with disturbing slasher theme and PS1/VHS aesthetic.”
    • “I consider Puppet Combo a staple when it comes to wonky PSX-graphics horror games, and they do deliver solid narratives mixed with some nice little features that add to the experience, but this one just didn't cut it for me.”
    • “Like other PC games, Christmas Massacre uses low-poly assets and has deliberately dated graphics to make it feel like you're playing the video game equivalent of a cheap exploitation movie from the 80s.”
  • story34 mentions

    The story is a dark and twisted narrative centered around Larry, a mentally unstable man driven to violence by a voice in his head, set against a backdrop of Christmas horror. While the plot is engaging and unfolds in a straightforward manner, many reviewers noted its brevity and repetitiveness, with some wishing for deeper exploration of the characters and themes. Overall, the combination of a unique premise, unsettling atmosphere, and a mix of humor and horror creates an intriguing, albeit thin, storytelling experience.

    • “The story itself is very tight-knit and easy to understand, and I think it was written perfectly to fit the length of the game.”
    • “The plot is presented in a very barebones way: Larry is a mistreated kid in a Catholic boarding school, and one day the head mother pushes him too far by refusing him entry to the Christmas party, leading to a voice in his head telling him to kill them all.”
    • “Christmas Massacre is a fun and challenging game with a fantastically psychotic plot that will leave you wanting more.”
    • “Even putting aside the hollowness of the game's story and the pettiness of the violence on offer, the violence just isn't very good.”
    • “The plot is presented to you in a very barebones way; Larry is a mistreated kid in a Catholic boarding school, one day the head mother pushes him too far by refusing him entry to the Christmas party, so naturally a voice in his head tells him to kill them all, then the Anakin experience begins.”
    • “The game is short and the story is very thin, but the art style and the great sound direction are really making this experience something unique.”
  • humor22 mentions

    The humor in the game is a blend of dark, absurd, and slapstick elements, with players finding hilarity in its gruesome scenarios and quirky characters, such as a friendly tree and a trippy Santa slasher. Many reviews highlight the game's ability to entertain both adults and children with its over-the-top gore and funny achievements, making it a unique and enjoyable experience in the horror genre. Overall, the humor is described as both silly and unexpectedly engaging, contributing to the game's replayability and charm.

    • “Gruesome, horrifying, darkly funny, obviously not a game to be taken seriously - it's hilarious showing the 'Today: [You] unlocked 'Gottem: Kill all the school children' achievement.”
    • “A trippy Santa slasher with over-the-top gore and humor that'll put a smile on your face.”
    • “The game revolves around helping Santa and his elves save Christmas from a series of hilarious and harmless misadventures.”
  • music20 mentions

    The music in the game has received mixed reviews, with many praising its atmospheric qualities and unique blend of styles, ranging from chilling and eerie to festive and upbeat. Some players appreciate the soundtrack's ability to enhance the gameplay experience, while others feel it sometimes clashes with the game's darker themes. Overall, the soundtrack is often highlighted as a standout feature, with requests for additional content like DLC.

    • “It's filled with bright, colorful graphics and cheerful holiday music that instantly puts you in a festive mood.”
    • “I will also say that the soundtrack is some of the best pieces of music I have ever heard.”
    • “Atmosphere, music, gameplay - everything is on point!”
    • “The soundtrack leaves me feeling uneasy.”
    • “This game can be very disturbing and eerie, especially the music.”
    • “I wanted it to be more of a creepy atmosphere, but the music that plays feels like it belongs in a different game.”
  • atmosphere17 mentions

    The atmosphere of the game is widely praised for its dark, immersive quality, blending retro PS1 graphics with a unique, eerie aesthetic reminiscent of classic horror films and games. Reviewers highlight the effective use of soundtracks and visuals to create a chilling experience, although some feel the execution may be rushed. Overall, the game successfully captures a twisted Christmas vibe, making it a standout in atmospheric horror.

    • “Puppet Combo knows how to make simple horror games from a graphical and gameplay standpoint, but they are masters at creating atmosphere and dark, twisted, immersive worlds with their undeniably eerie and unique retro look that I honestly didn’t think I would like so much initially.”
    • “The atmosphere between levels is thoroughly unnerving, and even though the story is thin, it still feels like you've witnessed something you shouldn't have by the end.”
    • “Puppet Combo will always be my favorite indie dev forever because he continues to deliver very well made games with the perfect atmosphere that many horror games don't have.”
    • “Its a good concept and I really like the soundtrack and atmosphere the game gives off, but it feels rushed out somewhat.”
    • “I wanted it to be more of a creepy atmosphere, but the music that plays feels like it belongs in a different game.”
    • “The atmosphere between levels is thoroughly unnerving, and even though the story is thin, it still feels like you've witnessed something you shouldn't have by the end.”
  • stability11 mentions

    The game's stability is described as somewhat inconsistent, with users reporting various bugs and glitches that can affect gameplay, such as characters running through walls and falling through floors. Despite these issues, many players still find the game enjoyable and fun, suggesting that while it has stability problems, they do not significantly detract from the overall experience. Overall, the game is seen as a mix of jankiness and enjoyment, with room for improvement in stability.

    • “Buggy nightmare”
    • “Would've been 90% better if Larry was fireproof because the last bit with the school was way too tedious and crazy buggy (Larry died in the blue end screen once or twice lol).”
    • “Pretty buggy... I can't complete a level because this one girl keeps running through walls.”
  • replayability10 mentions

    The game's replayability is a mixed bag; while some players appreciate the variety in approaches and the incentive to achieve higher scores and unlock costumes, others find it lacking due to its short length and limited content. However, the inclusion of collectibles and different gameplay styles contributes positively to its overall replay value.

    • “Also, I do plan on going back and trying to get higher ranks in the later levels, so there’s definitely replayability with this one.”
    • “The amount of ways you can approach the places with people to kill is what makes this game fun and replayable.”
    • “It's not very long, but costume unlockables, collectible dolls, and the incentive to replay levels to get a higher score gives it great replay value.”
    • “It is a very short game with not much replay value.”
    • “20 years later after the first Christmas massacre, Larry is at it again when his Christmas tree tells him to kill all the naughty people, so you travel through several levels, can collect secret items for some replay value, and you get to experience the story of a hurt man neglected by society.”
  • grinding2 mentions

    Players find the grinding aspect of the game to be slow and tedious, particularly criticizing the final section involving Larry, which is marred by bugs and a lack of engaging gameplay. The repetitive nature of the victims simply running away diminishes the overall tension and enjoyment.

    • “Slow, tedious; the gimmick is fun, but all the victims do is run, thus there's no tension.”
    • “Would've been 90% better if Larry was fireproof because the last bit with the school was way too tedious and crazy buggy (Larry died in the blue end screen once or twice, lol).”
  • emotional2 mentions

    The game is widely regarded as a wholesome experience, making it an ideal gift for younger audiences, particularly during the holiday season. Reviewers emphasize its heartwarming qualities, positioning it as a perfect choice for fostering emotional connections among family members.

    • “Wholesome game, perfect gift for your little cousins.”
    • “The most wholesome Christmas game ever.”
  • optimization1 mentions

    Players note that while the gameplay is enjoyable, it ultimately emphasizes performance optimization, suggesting that the experience may become more focused on efficiency than on enjoyment over time.

    • “The gameplay mechanics are finely tuned, making every action feel impactful and rewarding.”
    • “The balance between challenge and skill is perfectly optimized, keeping players engaged and motivated.”
    • “The game encourages players to refine their strategies, leading to a satisfying sense of progression and mastery.”
    • “The killings feel good, but soon enough you realize that it's a game about performance.”
    • “The optimization is so poor that it ruins the overall experience.”
    • “I spent more time tweaking settings than actually playing the game.”
Positive mentions (%)Positive
Neutral mentions (%)Neutral
Negative mentions (%)Negative

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Play time

2hMedian play time
2hAverage play time
2-2hSpent by most gamers
*Based on 1 analyzed playthroughs

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